Veteran music producer Samklef has claimed that ace rapper and YBNL boss Olamide has had a bigger impact on the Nigerian music industry than famed music executive Don Jazzy.

He made the statement while responding to the backlash Olamide has faced for calling Wizkid “the greatest Afrobeats artist after Fela”. Samklef criticized those undermining Olamide, saying they fail to recognize his significant contributions.

On his X handle, Samklef wrote:
“Devil go punish anybody wey talk down on Olamide! His impact in the industry even Don Jazzy Dey learn. It was Olamide who humble Don Jazzy after that Headies wahala and broke the chain of industry gatekeepers. Na him make Don Jazzy dey wear this new mask. After Wizkid, na Olamide get the real street credibility.”

Both Don Jazzy and Olamide are regarded as some of Nigeria’s most influential music executives due to their talent development. Don Jazzy helped launch Wande Coal, D’Prince, Dr Sid, and others under the now-defunct Mo’Hits Records he co-owned with D’banj. After Mo’Hits split, he founded Mavin Records, home to stars like Tiwa Savage, Reekado Banks, Korede Bello, Johnny Drille, Rema, and Ayra Starr.

Olamide, through his YBNL label, has launched the careers of artists including Adekunle Gold, Lil Kesh, Fireboy DML, and Asake, cementing his influence in both street and mainstream Nigerian music.